Abandon Ship Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 1PM
Do you have what it takes to survive on the open ocean when your ship goes down? Join us for our interactive floor program as we discuss tools and methods that will help you survive adrift on the ocean.
This daily program is included in Nauticus’ general admission.
Smell Like A Sturgeon Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 10AM
Did you know 97% of Atlantic Sturgeon spawn in the exact same river they were born in? Would you also be surprised to find out that they navigate their way back to their home rivers by using their sense of smell! Come join us here at Nauticus for “Smell Like A Sturgeon”, an interactive floor program that tests your sense of smell to see if you have what it takes to sniff your way home like the Atlantic Sturgeon.
Smell Like A Sturgeon activity is included in general admission.
Friday, June 19, 2026 - Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 9AM
As Sail250 Virginia brings tall ships and maritime celebrations to Hampton Roads, Nauticus offers additional waterfront experiences and programming throughout the weekend for visitors exploring downtown Norfolk.
Conveniently located along the waterfront and home to the historic Battleship Wisconsin, Nauticus is a great stop for guests looking to enjoy harbor views, explore maritime history, and take part in hands-on activities while visiting the Sail250 festivities nearby.
How To Experience Nauticus:
General Admission Nauticus open daily – 9am-5pm
Step aboard one of America’s most iconic battleships and discover the maritime experiences waiting for you at Nauticus. From immersive exhibits to hands-on exploration aboard the legendary USS Wisconsin, your visit offers an unforgettable journey through naval history, innovation, and more!
General Admission Includes:
Guided Battleship Tours
Go beyond the decks and discover the stories, systems, and hidden spaces of the legendary USS Wisconsin through a variety of immersive guided tours available at Nauticus. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, history enthusiast, or looking for an unforgettable VIP experience, there’s a tour designed to bring the Battleship Wisconsin to life.
Tour schedule
VIP Battleship Experience — Friday, June 19 & Saturday, June 20 at 10AM, 1PM, & 3PM
Battleship 101 — 10AM & 1PM daily
Command & Control — 11AM & 2PM daily
Life in the Engine Room — 12PM & 3PM daily
Featured Experiences:
Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21
Sail About Harbor Excursions
Experience Norfolk from the water aboard our Harbor 20’s for a one-hour excursion hosted by Sail Nauticus.
Additional Information: $50 per person Max of 3-4 people per boat | 3 boats per hour
Friday:- 4PM & 6PM Saturday & Sunday: 12PM, 2PM, 4PM, 6PM
Discovery Deck Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21 – 12PM-7PM
The Nauticus waterfront pavilion transforms into the Discovery Deck — a gathering space featuring maritime exhibits, educational activities, waterfront programming, interactive experiences, and access to deck tours aboard Schooner Virginia throughout the weekend.
Please note: Parade of Sail on Thursday, June 19, will affect vessel arrival time to the decks.
Join us in 2026 for the 13th annual Chartway Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend presented by Sentara. Enjoy Norfolk, Virginia’s Downtown, thriving art community, historic neighborhoods, the NEON District and Old Dominion University’s campus as you take on the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon. Keep an eye out for Norfolk’s iconic mermaids along the course as you experience this flat, fast course! (Hint: there are over 20 along the Half Marathon course.)
HALF MARATHON: The Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon presented by Sentara starts on Waterside Drive and sends runners through Norfolk, Virginia. Runners will cruise through Downtown Norfolk, scenic historic neighborhoods, the Old Dominion University campus and along the Elizabeth River Trail before finishing beside the Elizabeth River. Once participants cross the finish line, they will enjoy a post-race celebration at Town Point Park
10K:The Chartway Norfolk Harbor 10K presented by Sentara starts on Waterside Drive in front of Town Point Park. All runners will make their way through Downtown Norfolk and its historic neighborhoods before an exciting waterfront finish along the Elizabeth River. Cross the finish line and celebrate your race at our rockin’ post-race party.
5K:The Chartway Norfolk Harbor 5K presented by Sentara starts on Waterside Drive-in front of Town Point Park. This fun 5K takes runners on a tour of Downtown Norfolk before finishing along the Elizabeth River. This race is an event for the whole family!
MARJORIE PRIME
Written by Jordan Harrison
Directed by Vivian Ruiz
Weekends February 26 – March 21, 2027
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2:30pm
In this haunting and intimate drama, an elderly woman with fading memories is cared for by a holographic Al programmed to replicate her late husband. As the “Prime” reconstructs the past from her own recollections, her daughter and son-in-law confront their own conflicting memories. This intimate drama explores the ethics of technology, the fragility of memory, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive loss.
Cruise departs from Waterside Marina in Downtown Norfolk on the waterfront behind the Waterside District. Boarding begins at 10 p.m.
KNB All Summer Long: "Fresh with Pride" Park Cleanup
Friday, June 26, 2026
Keep Norfolk Beautiful is making litter cleanups fun this summer with our “KNB All Summer Long” monthly cleanups!
Gather your family, friends, neighbors, sports teammates, church group or come as you are – cleanup events are a great way to meet people!
KNB All Summer Long: “Fresh with PRIDE!”
Friday, June 26
10am to noon
Lafayette Park (3500 Granby St.)
Registration and Information: www.norfolk.gov/KNBsummer
On November 12th-15th, 2026, the SHERATON NORFOLK WATERSIDE HOTEL in NORFOLK, VA will host the NORFOLK TATTOO EXPO. Bringing together some of the country’s most renowned tattoo artists. Many artists who will be tattooing there are from a time when a tattoo convention was a significant event for tattoo people worldwide. It was a time when becoming a tattoo artist was earned, when tattoo history, secrets, and skills were passed down from mentor to apprentice.
These are tattoo artists who have been walking in the same footsteps as other tattoo greats like Sailor Jerry, Paul Rogers, Mike Malone, Bob Shaw, Cliff Raven, Dave Shore, Zeke Owen, Bob Roberts, Don Nolan, Lyle Tuttle, and others, they are tattooing with skills and knowledge passed down to them for generations from tattoo artists that they have looked up to. They do tattoos in color, black and grey, fine lines, or bold lines. They are coming to the NORFOLK TATTOO EXPO to tattoo eagles, panthers, roses, dragons, and many other tattoo designs that have sustained this industry since Lou “The Jew” Alberts designed the first commercial flash sheets over 120 years ago.
Thursday 11/12- Artist Day
Friday 11/13 – 12pm-10pm
Saturday 11/14 – 12pm-10pm
Sunday 11/15 – 12pm-6pm
$30 for the day
$50 for the weekend
$5 off for military
Ready and roaring to go to the Zoo on the weekend, but hoping to beat the summer heat🔥? Join us on July 12th for Breakfast with the Animals – an opportunity to rise, shine and dine with your favorite Zoo residents during the coolest part of the day 🐐🌞!
Flock to the Zoo with your fellow early birds 🐤 and catch exclusive access to the trails before we open to the general public. Gobble down *NEW* grab-and-go breakfast options, migrate to your favorite animals’ habitat, get a bird’s eye view of how morning meals are made on the wild side, and chirp with Keepers to ask them your burning questions at Keeper Chats.
Gates open at 8am and close at 9:30am. The Zoo will have a delayed opening to the public at 10am. All day admission is included with your ticket.